Hello everyone! So im going to replace the clutch in my 02 6speed this weekend and i have a question about something. This will be the first clutch replacement ive ever done. I believe its the original clutch too. Ive been doing tons of reading and research for months now and i feel like i got a good understanding of the process so Im feeling confident.

Anyways my question is about disconnecting the shifter linkage. Im trying to figure out the easiest route to take. Ive read another thread that kinda just confused me more. So i took a picture and highlighted a few things.

http://s25.postimg.org/i57cmtnjz/shifterlink.jpg

The purple highlights is what i first figured i would have to do. Disconnect the cables and unclip the clips holding the cables into the bracket.

But then i saw the bolts highlighted in red. Looks like i could just unbolt the whole shifter bracket. The bolts in green im not too sure about.

If anyone who knows the easiest way could help me out i would greatly appreciate it! I know its a simple problem but i want things to go smoothly. Thanks!

 

Disconnect the cables at the pins and remove the bracket that is bolted at the transmission. Good to go.

Be sure that the flywheel is in good nick and doesn't require resurfacing when installing the clutch. You can have clutch slipping issues if it's not all in good order.

Good luck with the change. It's a bit of labor, but it's pretty cut and dry. You should have no troubles.

 

Oh ok ya i figured. Thanks for the answer! Ya because In the fsm is shows to unhook the cables off the clips but i would imagine the whole bracket gets in the way.

Oh and ya im aware of the flywheel. I just hope its not bad. As i only have 94k miles on my car.

Im really excited to get my hands dirty
Thanks for the help!

 

No worries. Let us know how it goes.

I typically resurface the flywheel every time, but I'm picky like that.

 

Do a search for things like "Just changed my clutch and the car won't run" or something like that. I recall seeing a lot of first-time clutch replacement jobs go wrong because the transmission and bellhousing aren't mated up properly or something of that nature. Well worth a read.

 

Wooo what a day that was yesterday. Took me 14 hours to install that clutch but man i did it! with help of course. I got my butt kicked pretty bad but i kept pushing on. The shifter linkage was the least of worries after doing all that hehe.

So after disconnecting everything in the engine bay it was time for the axles. I really thought they would be harder but the axle nut came off easily. The carrier bearing on passenger side wasnt too tough to get to. The axle popped off super easy on that side. Just maneuvering the axles out was tricky but doable.

Then unbolting the crossmember and supporting the engine with a jack and piece of wood. That lowered the engine a bit. That part was ok.

Next was unbolting the tranny. I just used a regular floor jack to support the tranny but man was i surprised how heavy that sucker was. As soon as we wiggle the tranny free it almost fell on us lol. I knew i shoulda have gotten a tranny jack. Damn it was heavy and awkward.

The flywheel looked amazingly good. No heat marks. No cracks. Surface was pretty smooth n flat. So i decided just to clean it up and sand it down with some emery cloth. Ya ya i know should have gotten it resurfaced but it was kinda hard finding a machine shop open on saturday in my area. Sanded down all the mating surfaces was i was at it.

Cleaned out the bellhousing. Installed new throw out bearing and greased everything up. Now it was time to reinstallation. Another surprise. The transmission was so awkward n heavy to maneuver to put back in. After many failed attempts and almost dropping it once again. I almost felt like giving up. So was time for some food and hit up harbor freight to buy that cheap tranny jack. Which made the job so much easier actually. We was able to bolt it back in after that.

Reinstalled everything else. Had little trouble bolting crossmember back in. The holes werent lining up but figured it out. It was pretty straightforward after that. Everything went back in smoothly.

I say for any newbie that wants to try it. Make sure you have someone to help. Possibly 3 ppl. My girlfriend actually helped us too lol. And possibly a transmission jack. That will make a difference. And dont give up. I really got my butt kicked but it was worth it! I kept pushing on. And do lots of reading and research beforehand.

The car fired up on first try and wow so nice not to have slipping clutch anymore. The clutch pedal can use some adjustment still it feels like. I will do that today. Thanks maxima.org for all the information! I am a happy man now lol.

 

You don't adjust the pedal, afaik.

Should have done headers while you were in there. I would hate to see the motor go boom.

 

Oh so i shouldnt mess with the adjustment nut where the pedal is at under the dash then? Ya true it would have been so much easier to do headers while the transmission was out. I was thinking same thing when i was under there looking at everything.